"Going To Be Disrespectful...": New KKR Mentor Dwayne Bravo Sent 'Message' To Gautam Gambhir. Here's Why

Charismatic West Indian Dwayne Bravo, who replaced Gautam Gambhir as mentor at Kolkata Knight Riders, on Thursday said he will mix some elements from the former KKR strategist's blueprint with his own distinct style for a successful campaign in the upcoming IPL. With Gambhir playing a key role behind the scenes, KKR won their third IPL title last season. The reigning champions have turned to Bravo ahead of the IPL 2025 season, following the departure of Gambhir who is now the head coach of the Indian team. "Unfortunately, we lost some players. But I think GG had his style, I have my style. We're both successful in our own ways," Bravo said, making it clear that while he respects Gambhir's legacy, he will bring his own methods to the role.

The former West Indies skipper though admitted to reaching out to Gambhir for insights.

"Definitely, I messaged him a few times and stuff. But again, I will be leaning a lot on these guys because they had a successful formula. And it's important that we follow that formula," he said during KKR's first media interaction ahead of the upcoming season.

Bravo emphasised the need to study and adopt elements of last season's success and it was necessary to keep the core of the side intact.

"I think it's going to be disrespectful of me not to try and find out some of the good things he did last season. But also, the core of the team is here.

"And that's our responsibility, coach, myself, Venky sir to go back into the auction and try our best to get back. It was our duty to go into the auction and try to get back as much as the same squad of players from the championship-winning team. And we were able to get that," added the 41-year-old.

Having released Venkatesh Iyer earlier, KKR went all out